The 8 Best Dandruff Shampoos

See which products from Pantene, Head & Shoulders and more treated readers' flaky scalps

Is dandruff the bane of your existence? We know how you feel. Who would've thought those little white flakes would cause so many problems? Not surprisingly, dandruff is one of the biggest hair issues that women and men complain to their hairstylists about. Whether you have minimal or chronic flaking, it can be a major cause of stress or embarrassment in your life.

Luckily, while scalp-shedding can be extremely irritating, it is also really common and treatable. Most of the time, using a specialized shampoo or conditioner will do the trick. (If it doesn't, it's time to see your doc.) Itching to get to the root of your dandruff problem? We asked our readers which products got rid of their flakes once and for all. They happily spilled.

Check out this list of the best dandruff shampoos according to TotalBeauty.com readers, and start using one -- stat because there's no reason for you to ever have to brush flakes off your shoulders (unless it's snowing, of course).

And hey, keep the conversation about these dandruff-fighters going. How do you do that? Simple. By writing your own review about the products you've tried.

No 8: Garnier Fructis Fortifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Why: When it comes to controlling dandruff, this "gentle and effective" shampoo will do the job and "give your hair fullness." "Not only did it rehydrate my scalp but I always got compliments on how wonderful my hair felt and looked," says one reader. Another reader who bought the shampoo for her entire family, says "it makes [their] hair feel very clean and does not leave a heavy build-up feeling." Another reader says, "I am flake free because of this shampoo." And the "great scent" makes its "anti-dandruff ability seem like a side benefit."

No 7: Herbal Essences No Flakin' Way Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

Why: Readers say this shampoo "has a delightfully fresh and fruity scent," and "leaves your locks moisturized and keeps the dandruff under control." It "gets rid of the itch while making the hair soft and manageable with lots of body," says one reader. "It does a good job of cleaning your hair without stripping it too harshly and leaves it nice and shiny," claims another reader. One reader shares her success story: "I no longer have white flakes on my shoulders and I feel more relaxed and sexy in my black shirts." What else could you ask for in "an amazing dandruff fighter?"

No 6: Head and Shoulders Intensive Treatment Shampoo

Why: This shampoo is a miracle worker for those who have severe scalp problems. One reader with dandruff so bad, [her] scalp would "almost come off in chunks" says, "I have been using this for about 2 months now and I am completely dandruff free!" Another reader with psoriasis says, "As long as I use this shampoo daily (on both my face and hair) I have absolutely NO psoriasis breakouts! But go one day without it and the layers start building up and everything starts itching." Readers say "it's gentle enough for everyday" use, and all you need to do is apply it to affected areas to relieve your "flaky and red dry skin."

No 5: Aveda Scalp Benefits Balancing Shampoo

Why: "It's the best thing I've ever tried to calm my scalp and clean my hair," raves a reader. "It's light, doesn't weigh my hair down and keeps my scalp happy. I also like that it's more on the natural side." Other readers say it "keeps the itchiness away," "makes your hair shiny and your scalp feel very refreshed," and even has "a really nice scent that I think is energizing." One reader says she "immediately saw results" and her hair was "squeaky clean, and infinitely healthier!" Another raves, "It actually helps me go an extra day between shampoos, which is amazing cause I have extremely oily roots."

No 4: Neutrogena T/Gel Daily Control Dandruff Shampoo

Why: Readers recommend this "to those who are tired having dandruff and not finding anything that helps!" They say it "controls the problem of flakes and oil" and also adds "wonderful volume" to hair. "My scalp could not get this clean with any other shampoo," claims one reader. "I had an itchy scalp and this took care of it AND build up that I did not know I had." Another reader says, "I make sure that I use it almost daily because it's effective only when used frequently. Once you stop using it, dandruff resurfaces." And, they agree, "the fact that it's economical makes it easier" to "use it daily and not feel the pinch."

No 3: Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo

Why: "The key to fab hair is how well you take care of your scalp," says one reader. "I like the fact that this contains tea tree oil, which is good for acne and skin, so I know it's helping my scalp." Other readers love how "the lather cuts through all the serums, mousse, sprays and everything else" in just one shampoo, and the "tingly sensation it gives your scalp." One reader says, "This [is] the only thing so far that seems to stop acne flare ups on my scalp AND calms down the itchies." Another claims, "It really did help with my dry scalp to hydrate it and prevent flakes."

Why: Readers love the results of this 2-in-1: "When I tried this, I was so surprised. My hair was so healthy looking and feeling. The smell is awesome and I just really had soft hair. I use it all the time now. And best of all … no flakes!" One reader says it kept her "hair and scalp moisturized so no itching or dry skin." Another reader likes that "it has the same consistency as regular shampoos so it doesn't seem like a medical treatment." Readers claim, "This simple Pantene product really delivers, at a fraction of the price" of other high-end shampoos -- turning "dry, dull hair" into "soft and manageable" strands.

No 1: Jason Tea Tree Oil Shampoo

Why: Readers love how "the concentration of tea tree oil does not burn your scalp [but] stimulates it." One reader raves, "If you have any issues whatsoever with dandruff, I cannot recommend this product enough!" It "only took a few days for my dry, itchy, flaky scalp to clear up -- and for the black to return to my wardrobe!" she exclaims. "After decades of trying every chemical product under the sun, it amazes me how effective natural products are," says another reader. The smell "reminds me of eucalyptus plants in the rain, crisp and refreshing."